ICJ Hears Gabon-Equatorial Guinea Island Dispute

Equatorial Guinea and Gabon are currently presenting their case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to resolve a long-standing territorial dispute over three small islands—Mbanie, Cocotier, and Conga—in the Gulf of Guinea, believed to be rich in oil resources. The dispute, rooted in colonial agreements from 1900 and contested interpretations of a later 1974 treaty, centers on the legitimacy of Gabon's claims, which Equatorial Guinea disputes as based on an unauthenticated photocopy. Gabon maintains its sovereignty over the islands since its military expelled Equatorial Guinea from Mbanie in 1972, while Equatorial Guinea seeks to dismiss Gabon's claims outright, insisting on the application of the original colonial agreement. The ICJ's ruling is anticipated to clarify the legal texts' validity, potentially impacting the economic futures of both nations, which are members of OPEC. The hearings will continue throughout the week, with Gabon expected to present its case shortly. The court's decision is expected next year, potentially reshaping the strategic dynamics in the region.